Santuari de Bellmunt hike: forest viewpoints, chapel & mountain restaurant
20km forest ridge hike from Sant Quirze to Bellmunt sanctuary with panoramic viewpoints, chapel, artisan beers, and descent via castle ruins to Torelló
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About Santuari de Bellmunt viewpoint, chapel & restaurant
The Bellmunt sanctuary (Santuari de Bellmunt) crowns the summit of the Bellmunt mountain range near Sant Pere de Torelló, offering sweeping views over the Plains of Vic, the Pyrenees, the Ges Valley, and the Bisaura cliffs. Built directly onto the rock, this mountain chapel complex includes a small guesthouse and a mountain restaurant. The entrance features a limestone lintel dated 1607—likely repurposed from earlier structures.
Described as a “Hermitage suspended in the sky” by Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer, the sanctuary is steeped in legend and history. It is believed to stand on the site of the old castle of Sa Reganyada (Castell de sa Reganyada), which predates the year 1020. The current Romanesque church, built in the form of a Latin cross, houses a 22cm-high Gothic image of the Virgin Mary.
According to local legend, the Virgin is known as the Mother of God of the Wings, referencing the swarms of winged ants that ascend to the sanctuary each August to die—an event that has inspired spiritual symbolism for centuries.
This 20km medium-hard hiking route begins in Sant Quirze de Besora and ascends through forested ridgelines via the GR-3 mountain path, passing landmarks like the Bosquetell ruined farmhouse. The final ascent zigzags through dense woodland to the summit, where the sanctuary, restaurant, and panoramic viewpoints await.
From the sanctuary, the trail continues along a forested ridge to Puig de Sarragrenyada, then descends via the Costa de la Guspinera ridge and the Castell de Torelló ruins, ending in the town of Torelló. This is one of the best forest hiking routes in Catalonia, especially in autumn when the foliage is ablaze with colour.
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Santuari de Bellmunt viewpoint, chapel & restaurant Hiking Route
Start the hike at Sant Quirze de Besora Renfe train station. Exit and follow the road to the level crossing, continuing along the river. At the arch bridge, you can take a short detour for coffee or breakfast before resuming the route past a sports complex and under the railway.
The road passes a derelict industrial zone before turning left into a modern industrial area. At the end, it transitions into a gravel track leading to a farm. Cross the small stream via a bridge and follow the gravel road between two farm buildings. After passing them, take the left fork and join the GR-3 mountain path as it ascends into the forest.
At Collet de la Riera (631 m), take the right fork and continue climbing through the Bac del Serrat forest. The trail emerges onto a rocky mountain plain with views back over the valley. It then climbs to Puig del Juí before reaching a clearing with the ruined farmhouse Bosquetell.
Continue on the gravel path into a forested section that gradually ascends and curves right toward Coll de Hi Era de Massa (1098 m). Here, a wooden signpost marks the final 0.5 km to the Santuari de Bellmunt. The trail zigzags through dense forest and emerges at the sanctuary summit.
Note: The sanctuary sells artisan beers worth sampling. While I haven’t eaten at the restaurant, it’s a popular stop for hikers seeking a meal or overnight stay. Inside is a small chapel and shrine, and outside, the terrace offers stunning views of the autumn forest and snow-capped Pyrenees. The nearby telecoms tower is also a recommended viewpoint—take the steps up for a different perspective.
To continue the route, follow the road away from the sanctuary. As it bends into a hairpin descent, look for a forest trail that continues straight along the ridgeline. This path leads to Puig de Sarragrenyada (1220 m) and Collet de la Bauma d'en Migó, both offering spectacular viewpoints.
Descend via rocky scrubland—this section requires attention as the trail is not always clear. At Coll de Duec, turn right. Use GPS here, as the path crosses uneven terrain and can be easy to lose.
Pass minor summits like Coll de Maronta and Els Tres Batlles before reaching the round ruined watchtower of Castell de Torelló. Continue past Turó de Coll de Gallina until the gravel path meets a rural road.
Cross the road, take the left fork, and turn left again as the road reaches the edge of Torelló. Cross the town to the train station. If time allows, enjoy a drink or snack at the café opposite the station to celebrate completing one of the best forest hiking routes in Osona.
Hiking to Santuari de Bellmunt Viewpoint with a Dog
This route is mostly through beech and oak forests, which are ideal for autumn forest hiking in Catalonia. If you encounter any pine trees, be aware of the potential presence of Pine Processionary Caterpillars in spring and summer. These caterpillars can be toxic to dogs if touched or ingested.
As an autumn hike, the risk of encountering these caterpillars is very low, but it’s always good to stay vigilant. The trail is viable for dogs, with no technical sections that would pose difficulty. Your furry companion will enjoy the forest paths, open viewpoints, and natural terrain along this Osona area hiking trail.
What to take for the Santuari de Bellmunt Hike
This is a medium-hard hiking route in the Bellmunt mountain range, suitable for experienced hikers with proper gear. I always carry a small rucksack with essentials and a first aid kit.
Pack an emergency waterproof jacket, especially in autumn when weather can shift quickly in the forested ridgelines. The trail includes exposed viewpoints and shaded woodland, so layering is key.
Bring 2 to 3 litres of water. Additional drinks can be purchased at the Santuari de Bellmunt restaurant if open.
Allow 6 to 9 hours to complete the route depending on fitness level and pace. A head torch is recommended, especially in late autumn when daylight fades early—essential for safe descent from the final ridge section.
Santuari de Bellmunt Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 12.60
FREE
Child
€ 12.60
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
Consult Renfe Rodalies website for child fares.
Notes
Walk is free, Return train tickets costs 12.60 Euros.
Getting to Santuari de Bellmunt Hiking Route
Address: Santuari de Bellmunt, Camí de de Bellmunt, Sant Pere de Torelló, 08572
This hiking route begins at Sant Quirze de Besora and ends in Torelló, both located on the Red (R3) Rodalies train line. These stations are in the same fare zone, so a return ticket to Sant Quirze de Besora costs the same as two singles—making it a convenient option for linear hikes in the Osona region.
From Barcelona, take the R3 Rodalies train heading towards Puigcerdà and disembark at Sant Quirze de Besora. After completing the hike, return from Torelló station, which is just one stop further along the same line.
Documents for Santuari de Bellmunt Hike
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